Press Conferences

Sankei Shimbun, NAGAHARA: I would like to ask about the National Security Strategy recently released by the U.S. The strategy underscores the need to increase defense spending, naming countries such as Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK). In addition, Secretary of War Hegseth recently stated regarding the increase of defense spending by allies, that those who fail to do their part for collective defense will face consequences. How does the TAKAICHI administration intend to reflect such U.S. remarks in the revision of three security-related documents?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: First, the security environment surrounding Japan has been the most complex and severe in the postwar period, and Japan has consistently emphasized this recognition. Against this backdrop, we believe that decisions on defense spending should be made independently under the fundamental stance that Japan protects itself on its own.

In this context, we believe that what is important is not the amount or the percentage of GDP per se, but rather the substance of Japan’s defense capabilities.

We often hear the term “new types of warfare.” What is considered new warfare today will eventually become conventional warfare. In fact, a combination of conventional or existing types of warfare and new types of warfare, called hybrid warfare, has emerged. To fundamentally reinforce our defense capabilities under these circumstances, Japan, based on its own judgement, has decided to take necessary steps to bring forward the implementation of measures toward achieving defense expenditures at the level of 2% of GDP, as set forth in the National Security Strategy, within this fiscal year.

With this decision made, the Government will consider the details of the new security-related documents in consultation with the ruling parties.

In light of the increasingly severe security environment, as I described at the outset, we will continue strengthening the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance and work closely with the U.S. in doing so.

It is my understanding that Japan has shared its position at multiple levels, including leaders, foreign ministers, the defense minister and war secretary, and working-level officials.

Kyodo News, SAKAGUCHI: It has been two months since a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Hamas Islamic group over the Palestinian territory of Gaza. The second phase, which aims at disarming Hamas, is expected to face challenges. At this stage, how does Japan plan to engage in maintaining the ceasefire and supporting reconstruction in Gaza?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Historically, the Middle East, especially Israel and Palestine, has witnessed ceaseless war and hostilities. It is also a region where ceasefires have often been short-lived. For example, the longest-lasting ceasefire agreement dates back to the Crusades in the Middle Ages, specifically to the Third Crusade. This was a time when both Islamic and Christian forces were at their strongest. On the Christian side, the leader of the Third Crusade was the King of England known as the Lionheart. On the Muslim side, the ruler changed from Nur al-Din to Saladin. King Richard I and Saladin achieved a ceasefire for four years. As I understand, this is said to be the longest ceasefire. It goes to show how long hostilities have persisted in this region.

Amid prolonged fighting in Gaza ever since Hamas launched attacks on October 7, 2023, the parties reached an agreement initiated by President Trump’s “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.” I believe this marked a major step toward resolving the situation in Gaza.

For the mid- to long-term peace and stability of the region, a priority should be placed on the maintenance of the ceasefire. At the same time, advancing to the next step and moving from the yellow line to the red line, in other words, a steady transition to the next phase, is of critical importance. Japan will continue seizing various opportunities to urge all relevant parties to steadily implement the “Comprehensive Plan.”

Since the beginning of this month, we have dispatched Mr. OKUBO, the Special Assistant to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador in charge of Gaza Rebuilding Assistance, and Mr. IWAMOTO, Director-General of the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau, to Israel, Palestine, among other places, and have been exchanging views with relevant parties.

Japan will continue contributing to international efforts for humanitarian assistance, recovery and reconstruction, and interim governance in Gaza. Additionally, through assistance for Palestine’s state-building, Japan intends to play a proactive role toward the realization of a two-state solution.

Independent Web Journal, HAMAMOTO: I have a question on the situation in Ukraine. The conflict in Ukraine is currently at a major turning point. On the battlefield, Russia holds an overwhelming advantage. The Trump administration has shifted course 180 degrees from the Biden administration, deleting references to Russia’s threat in the new U.S. National Security Strategy, and this has been welcomed by President Putin. In the consultations on a peace proposal, they also discussed Russia-U.S. cooperation in resource development, and the two countries are moving toward building friendly relations. On the other hand, Prime Minister TAKAICHI maintains the same recognition as the KISHIDA administration from three and a half years ago, and continues to reiterate the “unprovoked invasion.” Japan is perceived as upholding a policy of hostility toward Russia, support for Ukraine, and continuation of the war. Moreover, Mr. Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, and other aides have come under corruption investigation one after another, and President Zelenskyy himself could face scrutiny. There are concerns that Japan’s financial aid, which is taxpayers’ money, amounting to approximately JPY 1.4 trillion is being embezzled. Please share how you analyze the war situation and perceive the current circumstances as the person responsible for Japan’s diplomacy. I would also like to request that you inform the public about how the Japan’s aid has been used.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: First, regarding the war situation, various discussions are unfolding in the international community. As for whether Russia holds a decisive advantage, I believe it is still up for debate. In any case, in order to bring an early end to Russia’s aggression and bring peace to Ukraine as soon as possible, it is important that Ukraine, European countries, and other relevant countries work together with the involvement of the U.S.

There continue to be various discussions and mediation efforts in the international community for peace in Ukraine, and I would like to refrain from making comments based on speculation.

Regarding Japan’s support, Japan acts under a strong sense of crisis that “Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow.” We have had this sense of crisis since the KISHIDA administration, and it remains unchanged. Even if the war situation changes, our recognition that “Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow” does not change. Based on this strong awareness, Japan has been actively providing support for Ukraine in cooperation with the international community.

Specifically, Japan has pledged and implemented a total of more than USD 12 billion in support across humanitarian, financial, and recovery and reconstruction fields, and remains committed to these efforts. In providing such support, we will continue working with the Government of Ukraine, international organizations, and others to ensure that support is provided and implemented appropriately.

Asian News International, ITAGAKI: The India-Japan Forum was just held, and you delivered a video message, which was very well received by the local audience. From India, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar delivered a response to your message, mentioning progress in tourism between Japan and India. Although still on a very small scale, two Indian youths living in Fukushima are organizing study tours or educational tours to visit Fukushima, positioning it as a symbolic site for learning about reconstruction and revitalization. Could you please share your thoughts on this trend and, more broadly, on people-to-people exchange?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I highly commend such young people from overseas for their active efforts and initiatives to expand their activities in Japan, even though they might be small in scale.

I issued a video message for the India-Japan Forum held in Delhi from December 7 to December 8. The message was also posted on X. In my message, I stated that, together with Minister Jaishankar, whom I have known for a long time, I look forward to achieving tangible results across a wide range of areas based on the “Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next Decade.”

We consider that the people-to-people exchanges between Japan and India form the bedrock of the strong bilateral relationship, and we will continue to make further efforts to strengthen Japan-India relations through the promotion of people-to-people linkages, including in the tourism sector that you mentioned.

Bloomberg, MURAKAMI: I would like to ask about Japan’s outreach to the U.S. in the context of recent Japan-China relations. Regarding the series of Japan-China exchanges sparked by Prime Minister TAKAICHI’s remarks on Taiwan, the Financial Times reported that Ambassador of Japan to the U.S. YAMADA Shigeo urged the Trump administration to demonstrate its support for Japan more clearly. Could you confirm if this is true? If so, please tell us what kind of exchanges were held with the U.S. and what kind of remarks Japan requested from the U.S. side.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: First, as I have consistently stated, I do not comment on the accuracy of individual reports. As for Japan-China relations, the two countries have concurred on comprehensively promoting a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” and building “constructive and stable Japan-China relations,” and we intend to make efforts in this direction.

In this process, if there are any differences in opinions or views, or if China’s remarks are inconsistent with the facts, it is, as a matter of course, diplomatically necessary for Japan to explain the correct facts, as well as Japan’s position and views, at various levels, including but not limited to Ambassador YAMADA, and we will continue to do so.

Radio France, NISHIMURA: I would like to ask about Japan-China relations. What do you think should be Japan’s priority for improving the ongoing situation between Japan and China?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Regarding your question on priorities, as I have stated repeatedly, Japan and China are neighboring countries. Naturally, there are issues and concerns between neighboring countries, as is the case between Japan and the ROK and among European countries. At the same time, precisely because we are neighboring countries, there are also areas where cooperation is possible. I believe we need to work on reducing the issues and concerns through dialogue as much as possible, while advancing mutual understanding and cooperation. I believe this can be achieved through dialogue across various areas, rather than focusing on one specific issue. I also believe that efforts are needed to narrow differences between the two sides. Japan is always open to dialogue.